Page 64 of Maleen

“I know, but I need to update my mother on everything we’ve learned, and I’d feel better if she wasn’t left alone here. Talyn and Killian won’t let anything happen to Rav,” I tell him as we make our way down the halls.

“I know. I better go and get mine, and then we can get back when you’re ready to make that big of a jump again.” He twirls his blade in his hand, something he does when he’s anxious or feeling stabby, which happens whenever he isn’t near our mate.

“I should be good to go in a few hours. Keep your wits about you; we have a skeleton staff on site and not many guards. I wouldn’t put it past the Lords to have someone keeping an eye here.”

He jerks his head in a singular nod. “Let them try. It’s been a bit since I’ve been able to stab anyone.”

Jesper wanders down another corridor, whistling as he goes, tossing his blade in the air as he walks to the wing his mother is residing in.

I shake my head in amusement as I continue further down to my parents’ wing. It’s odd but reassuring she has my father here with her now that he’s awake and not corrupted.

I knock on their suite and my father opens the door. “Son! I thought you were in Maleen, is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine. May I come in?” I ask.

“Aemon? Is that you?” I hear my mother as my father lets me pass.

“It is mother, how is everything?” I greet her with a quick hug and a peck on the cheek.

She smiles widely, her eyes glowing with happiness as she steps into my fathers side. “I couldn’t be better, but why are you here?” Her face drops with worry. “Is Ravina okay? Did Calantha…?

“Ravina is well and her mother is still the same, no change, but the healers are keeping her comfortable. I actually came here because I would like you to come back to Maleen with Jesper and I. Hopefully his mother too. We don’t think it’s wise to have you here. It’s been too quiet in the realm, like the calm before the storm, and I need someone to take over my duties for a week or so in a few days.” I stare at my father; I remember him stepping in for Ravina’s fathers a few times, bringing me with him so I could see Ravina.

“Of course, son, but I assumed you would be needed in Maleen for a while. Why are you leaving?” His brows crease with concern as he holds my mother closer.

So I tell him about finding the dragons and about the frenzy, sparing him the details.

“Ah yes, I remember stepping in during that time for Queen Calantha and her mates. Of course we will come to the city. It would be nice to see the capital again.”

My mother nods. “I will go and dismiss the staff with extra pay for the late notice and call up our friends from town to watch over our home while we are gone. Then we can pack.” She kisses my dad on the cheek and hurries off.

My father stares after her with hearts in his eyes before clearing his throat. “There’s something I need to speak with you about. What your mate did for me, clearing my mind…” His fists clench and he stares off into the distance. “I haven’t been able to reach my dragon. He’s there, I can feel him, but I’m afraid his mind was altered too. He’s not answering my calls to come home.”

I sharply inhale. “Windbiter is still alive?” He vanished after my father was placed in his coma and we haven’t heard a whisper of him since. I just assumed he was gone, but that was before I realized that if one bonded dies, so does the other. Does that mean if a rider or dragon’s mind is warped… So is the other?

“Yes, he’s blocked me out… I’m not sure what state he’s in. But if his mind has been taken over like mine was, would she help him too?”

My heart freezes, thinking about how much using the Soul Stone took out of her. That every time she uses it, it takes a piece of her magick from her. Yet, I know if she knew this, she wouldn’t hesitate, and I understand. Ever since I’ve bonded to Evisdor, if I was cut off from him, I would want to do everything in my power to right that.

“As would I,” he rumbles into my mind.

“I will speak with her,” I tell him, even though I want to keep her as far away from that Fates-damned stone as possible. I would reach out to her now, but I know through the bond she is a bit… preoccupied with Talyn. I’m glad that oaf was able to fix things with her.

My father’s posture relaxes slightly. “Thank you son, I wouldn’t ask if I could fix it myself.”

I nod, feeling uneasy. Not about my father, but about his beast. Why wouldn’t he try to communicate? If he was warped, wouldn’t he come back to wreak destruction? Something isn’t adding up and it has Lord Craven written all over it.

I LEAVE MY parents to pack their belongings for the trip and go search out Jesper, hoping he hasn’t found himself in any trouble.

Jesper’s voice rises from down the corridor. “Mother, I don’t know how many times I’ve told you. Evander and I may be brothers and I’ve done everything to keep him and you safe, but he just threw it all back in my face.”

I quicken my steps.

“Jesper,” Ceila says, exasperated. “He’s a grown male now; he’s not a fledgling anymore and hasn’t been for a few years. Can you blame him for wanting to follow after his older brother’s footsteps? I won’t go back until you agree to try to mend fences with him. This rift between you two has gone on long enough. I miss seeing you two laugh together. Please. For me?”

I knock on the frame of the open door and they both turn to face me. “You know your mother has a point,” I tell him.

He throws his hands in the air. “Fine. I will talk to Evander.”